Media Releases

$185M for dementia and ageing medical research

Federal Member for Durack and Minister for the Environment Melissa Price said in Australia, there are an estimated 420,000 people living with dementia.

“There is currently no cure and existing medications only treat symptoms, without halting or reversing the underlying neurodegeneration,” she said.

Minister Price has welcomed the Federal Government’s recently announced $185 million medical research package focused on ageing, aged care and dementia to support older Australians and our ageing population.

Minister Price said the 10-year Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission will be funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and its focus will include:

Dementia (diagnosis, treatment and prevention)

Fall prevention and avoidable hospitalisations

Assistive technology to support independence

“Without a medical breakthrough, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to increase to almost 1.1 million by 2056,” said the Minister.

“The need for investment in research to develop new treatments and to improve dementia care is evident.

“We’re committed to ensuring Australians of all ages in the Durack electorate have access to the support they need to face life’s challenges,” said Ms Price.

“The MRFF is an endowment fund, which will mature at $20 billion, providing a sustainable source of funding for vital medical research.

“It is the single largest boost in health and medical research funding in Australia’s history.”